TUNA304 Stainless Steel Exhaust System recently custom made in house for this Mini Cooper S.

Why stainless steel exhausts save you money

Are you tempted to buy a custom stainless steel exhaust, but put off because of the price? Don’t be – they save you money.

Granted, at face value, mild steel exhaust components are usually cheaper; but it’s easy to overlook just how much they’ll cost in the long run. When you consider that stainless steel parts are more durable and last longer, it quickly becomes obvious simply they’re the cheaper – and all round – better exhaust option.

In fact, stainless steel components last so long that often they outlast the lifetime of the car to which they’re fitted. But why is this? What is it about stainless steel that makes it such a good material for exhausts? Why should you fork out good money on it?
Mild steel parts are obviously made of steel, just like their stainless counterparts, but they’re simply not as strong. Unlike stainless components, which are made of absolute steel, their mild steel rivals are coated (or ‘topped up’) with the less durable aluminium or zinc.

By contrast, stainless steel exhausts contain nickel and chrome which means – unlike mild steel parts – they don’t start to rust as soon as they come into contact with the air’s elements. Without a great-looking, polished chrome finish, mild steel parts begin to corrode immediately they’re scratched – so the writing’s on the wall from that point on. If you want exhaust parts that aren't the strongest on the market, rust quickly and will only last up to three years, then buy mild steel – otherwise, it’s best to stick with stainless steel.

If these reasons for buying stainless steel parts weren't enough, there’s another big reason why you should – and it’s another one that ensure stainless steel exhausts save money. As a well-made, well-fitted stainless exhaust will be free-flowing, it should rid the engine of waste faster and more effectively than a manufacturer’s original exhaust. This means the engine won’t have to work as hard and so use less fuel. Yes, a stainless steel exhaust ensures you pay less at the pump!